#Punishment (lmao...I don't know what to put as warning...but read with caution)

Third Person’s P.O.V.

Taehyung stunned at the question, mouth parted and unprepared to be confronted that abruptly.

And it was in that moment he realized how the little clueless omega, lying vulnerable in his arms had the power to make him feel utterly disarmed without even trying to. 

“Well, that’s a really difficult option to choose from” he chuckled trying to mask how feeble he felt, realizing that despite his greater strength and higher status he was the one trying to hide from his mate at the moment “you could say both”.

He spoke leaning into the omega’s neck, seeking to calm himself down through his mate’s lulling scent.

“Who-” “Doesn't matter.."

"But why would they want to do that to you?"

"Because they fear me"

Jin went a little silent at the words to sense Taehyung's discomfort but he could also feel the suppressed anger and pain in his words.

"So they tried to control you?"

"There are things that don’t change until you find the strength to change it yourself” Taehyung's voice was heavy and decided, arms wrapping in tighter binds around the omega, the knot still keeping him sealed inside his mate.

“Is that why you hate royals?” Jin had to close his eyes and will himself to speak and not fall weak to how Taehyung kept licking and kissing the mark he had just renewed. He could sense how the alpha was trying to veer away from the question and instead was trying to distract him.

Taehyung didn’t reply, he wasn’t sure why the omega was suddenly so interested to know about his past. He didn't want to talk about it though...it was ruining his peace and making him feel agitated again.

He knew he had literally pounced on Jin out of his greed to show his claim and power over his mate, he was mad jealous to see Jin heal Jungkook, he didn’t like seeing Jin touching or using his powers for anyone other than him for that matter. He was pissed and his possessiveness had gotten the best of him. But somehow Jin hadn’t resisted him this time as he had been doing, and he was glad the omega was finally starting to accept him as his alpha. Claiming and mating always rejuvenated their bond…Taehyung could feel how satiated and relieved his trueblood was, one could even call him utterly insecure for an alpha but he believed he had every right to want his mate to be covered in his scent and his marks as and when he wanted. 

And this was the first time in his life he wished he could have some time to get away from the tragedy that has been forever following him around so that he could spend some time with his mate, let the omega trust him more and not be surrounded by death and blood and rage all the time. Jin would probably not try to constantly oppose him if he could show that as his alpha he didn’t mean to always threaten him or restrain him…as his alpha he could be some much more to him.

His mother was right…Jin only expected from him what he believed he deserved, and if he couldn’t be that it was his shortcoming as an alpha.

He moved off of the omega when the knot released, sighing as he laid down beside Jin who looked tired, tiny whimpers slipping his lips as he tried to get comfortable and Taehyung couldn’t help but smile at the urge to pamper and touch his mate some more. But realized that Jin had fallen a little silent, gaze lowered as if he was thinking about something else. As if that something was making him upset…and it was very easy for Taehyung to catch that distressed scent on him as he watched Jin snuggle under the duvet.

“What is it?” He found himself leaning in to the omega, hand caressing the side of Jin’s face “did I hurt you?”

Jin silently shook his head, growing a little pink not expecting the softness in Taehyung’s voice. “It’s just…I always thought it’s great to be a royal, n got sad because I wasn’t treated like one…” he gulped feeling an odd jitter of sadness in his heart “I just realized that living in a palace n being surrounded by riches can be ugly as well if there are people who want to see you miserable” his voice was utterly soft, as if he was actually thinking out loud and he snuggled lower, struggling a bit in confusion when he felt the alpha pulling him towards himself.

“Well, this is very new”

Jin felt flustered when the heavy voice chuckled at his ear as Taehyung pulled him on top of himself, making the omega straddle him “is my haughty little kitten concerned about his alpha?”

Jin kept his head tucked into Taehyung’s neck, they were both sticky n sweaty from sex, not to mention he could feel warm hands fondly caressing his back and butt…his alpha’s hands knew no boundaries as he felt him groping his ass very tauntingly. And now Jin’s softer thoughtful mood was gone…so were the worries eating him up from within.

“Gonna pretend you’re asleep now eh?”

“How can someone sleep when you’re being shameless?” Jin grumbled into his neck, trying to swat his hands away from squeezing his ass.

“Why should I be shameful of touching my mate?” The words were rather matter-of-fact as the alpha continued doing whatever he was doing “your body is all mine to touch and pleasure…you belong to me love”

Jin was thankful because Taehyung couldn’t see how badly his ears were burning to hear him be so brazen.

“And no matter how much you try to defy me, you are bound to my commands…remember that. You take decisions on your own that I don’t approve of…trust me you won’t like the consequences” “Don’t threaten me with consequences, although I only chose to heal him because…” Jin gulped to himself not really wanting to disclose how anxious and fearful he had felt to hear Hoseok say that Taehyung’s punishment would be worse if the King died by his hands. Yes, he truthfully didn’t like the idea of watching Taehyung be punished but the frown crimping on the alpha’s brow right now and the angry eyes made him want to put up an equally brave and unbothered face “I am ready to stand up and accept my punishment…I am no coward” Jin asserted with a hint of anger in his voice, staring straight into the alpha’s darker eyes as he tried to get out of the situation he was trapped in currently.

Taehyung’s jaw clenched to see the omega be arrogant with him again and he grasped at his jaw, pulling the omega’s soft face closer to his own “too eager for punishment I see eh?” His voice had grown husky as the omega’s outburst made him feel challenged “don’t be a brat darling…or else I just might let you get a taste of what punishment would feel like”

Jin had been terribly disturbed at the thought of Jungkook trying to hurt Taehyung because of him and due to the mistakes he had committed and was more than ready to own up to his own punishments. He felt it to be wrong for Taehyung to suffer the punishment which was actually meant for him and more importantly, he did not want to look like some weak selfish bitch who shies away from taking responsibility for his mistakes. He knew that there were things he wasn’t aware about and despite Taehyung’s warning about how his actions would lead them to face brutal consequences, he had gone ahead and done what he believed he had to and ended up creating an utter disaster. Yes, he agreed he was ignorant in many cases but definitely never a coward.

Jin scowled at the other “you forget I grew up attaining harsh training as well…I’m not afraid of them punishing me-” “Them punishing you?” Taehyung was startled at the omega’s words, and here he was trying everything not to let anyone dishonour his mate...it made him want to show how wrong his stupid little mate was to think that he'd serve punishment before eyes of strangers “I despise the idea of seeing you get disciplined by any other hand than mine” Taehyung’s voice was a low angry growl against Jin’s mouth and Jin could see the speckles of red swirling in his irises and before he could understand what Taehyung was trying to say he was suddenly very startled and realized he had been actually trying to figure out the whole ‘punishment’ thing upside down till now.

“Hngkk!” Jin found his jaw clamping shut, stunned at the sting spreading over his ass before he realized what just happened, and another slap made him jolt and grunt. He hastily tried to move out of the alpha’s arms, not really up for this when Taehyung pulled him back in, arms forcibly holding Jin to himself as he kneaded the omega’s reddening skin and licked his lips as he watched Jin’s troubled and flustered expression before bringing his hand down against the plump flesh yet again.

“Nghh…ahh!” “Endure it…” Taehyung spoke right over Jin’s mouth, honestly he was being very soft…on a normal day Jin had taken worse hits and harsher cuts…and yet he seemed almost teary right now, Taehyung could see the embarrassment glowing on the omega’s sweaty befuddled face as he watched him press his eyes close, to not let him see the tears gathering in those soft brown eyes “you earned it fair and square baby…shouldn’t you be proud of it?”

Jin cursed under his breath hearing that dark chuckle grumbling inwardly to understand why was he stuck with such an asshole! Just when he was beginning to think that Taehyung had changed, he goes head and does something like this.

On top of that, Jin was even more confused to think if this was really how alphas disciplined their mates? He wasn’t sure…he wasn’t sure at all but it didn’t feel like how punishment actually worked…and he had no idea that the alpha had really meant this when he said he’d spank him.

“Ahck!” His grip tightened on Taehyung’s shoulder, although if he was being completely honest, he was more ashamed because the hits were making his member rub against the alpha’s toned belly since he was practically straddling him, the stimulation getting him turned on. And worse, because he could see that the alpha was enjoying this way too much…his breathing heavy as his flaring eyes stayed unmoving on him, catching every whimper, every squirm…the tiniest press of his teeth into his lower lip, the little crease on his brow as he tried to not mewl and whimper due to the pain.

“You know what” Taehyung’s voice was way too raspy and low “keep defying me and being a brat, I’m really gonna enjoy punishing you” he grinned as Jin jumped a little at the next hit, the hands getting harsher and he attempted to pull away again. His member had become embarrassingly hard and his ass really stung now. He didn't know what to do or what he wanted or why was his body reacting like this since the touches felt more sensual than hurting.

“S-Stop…” he fumbled, squirming against the arm keeping him immobile and squeaked when the alpha leaned close and sucked on the soft flesh below his ear making him fall silent again, head messed with the number of varied sensations of both pleasure and pain going through his body and heard Taehyung chuckle, an endearing hum rumbling in his chest as he kneaded the soft flesh “you make the prettiest noises…makes me wanna keep doing things to you”

And Jin was even more confused now, he couldn’t tell if that was really punishment because it actually was nowhere close to the pain lashes would actually feel like and also because of how utterly turned on Taehyung looked, and how those rough touches were making him feel.

He wanted to blame the bond yet again for how his body was reacting to the alpha’s rough greedy touches and that stronger dominant musk but he was aware that he had given in to the urge and passion to mate with his alpha because he wanted to…he wanted to be swathed in his scent, to be bound in his arms and feel that warmth and need…he wanted Taehyung to show his claim on him because he felt sullied all over to touch the one who had gone really close to assaulting him and threatened to force himself on him when he had no power to protect himself…he felt disgusted to even be around that godforsaken scent.

The truth was…he didn’t want to heal Jungkook, touching him felt wrong. The king scared him, especially because he could sense his intention to capture him, he could also sense his scent spiking in greed to acquire him and to Jin it was a nauseating feeling…his omega was severely upset with his decision, especially because of how much it angered his alpha. Jin wouldn’t deny but with how upset and enraged Taehyung was, it actually felt like a betrayal to his alpha…and so having the alpha show his power and claim over him felt very assuring. Jin felt safe and at peace being surrounded in his scent and his warmth. He could feel the calm in Taehyung as well, he didn’t understand though why the alpha got so easily triggered, always so eager to show off his higher status and strength and possession over him, snapping at him even when he was not trying to mess with him.

But right now he was very confused…and worried…

“Let go” he tried to make his voice sound angry and strong although sadly it came out weak and whiny.

“Why? I thought you’re not scared of pain…” Taehyung teased.

“Don't lie to me. This is not punishment, is it? I’ve never heard-” “Don’t dare to compare me with others, their rules don’t matter to me” the words were a low growl “I don’t like those conventional ways of punishing an omega. I’d never starve or abuse my mate…”

Jin blinked back at the alpha, turning a little silent because he knew not what to say…he was a novice about societal rules but he could never imagine being starved or abused…even worse was the knowledge that this was a general practice against omega’s.

“W-What…?” He inquired dumbly “why would anyone do that to their mate?” And now he was getting annoyed with the thought of it.

Suddenly he remembered the bruises and painful marks on Jimin and it struck him now why the omega didn’t fight back against such treatment…because to him it was ‘normal’ to be treated like that, and although Jungkook wasn’t his mate the omega did care for him as his alpha, accepted the vile treatment as if believing he deserved it.

Jin was a little startled when Taehyung turned to a side, letting him dip into the mattress beside him “people may say a lot of stuff about themselves but the truth is we are all really beasts…our hearts are more cruel than compassionate” he felt him sigh against his head “watch them spill their truth the moment you dare to go against them…they’ll come at you all teeth and claw” he felt the alpha’s voice grow more somber as he set his head against his “there’s no changing it or making it better…we gotta uproot it, so it can grow anew”

Jin had gone silent trying to understand what he meant as he lay with his head pressed against Taehyung’s chest, hands curled to himself as his mind inadvertently moved to the steady beating of the alpha’s heart.

“I can make people drop to their knees and cower at my voice…but I can’t change their perspective”

If Jin said he was confused with his words that would be an understatement, because he was completely puzzled. He felt a warm touch at the side of his face and looked up to see Taehyung’s eyes look like unfathomable pools of adoration and hope as he stared at him.

“That is something only you can do”

“What…I don’t understand…” Jin gulped being just as bewildered as ever.

“In time darling…it’s ok if you don’t understand now. All you gotta do is be yourself…” a little laugh escaped him as he sniffed the omega’s head, nuzzling into the side of Jin’s face “don’t worry baby, I’ll be with you through it all…can you trust me?”

If asked, Jin would honestly have to say no…because consequences had taught him not to trust anyone around him but after Taehyung had proved true on his promise and had helped him save Eulan even though he knew he would be punished for treason had Jin feeling optimistic about trusting his alpha. Taehyung had gone against even his own people and watched the demise of so many of his troops only to keep his promise and Jin felt ashamed to have ended up creating such a mess for the alpha.

He told himself he was never again going to use his omega’s powers like that…what he had done was literally wide scale man-slaughter and he shuddered to even think about it and was glad that Taehyung had attempted to stop him, using his obvious dominance over him but his ways were gentle and careful…even while being controlled by his omega completely at that moment Jin could feel the trueblood’s concern for its mate.

“Can I trust you?” He asked in return and saw Taehyung watching him with the same deep unperturbed eyes, his thumb pressing against his lower lip as he smiled down at him.

“Always” the word hit against Jin’s mouth before Taehyung’s mouth pressed on his.

However, Jin realized one thing…

…they had still a long way to go for
Taehyung to not act like a complete alpha douche with superiority complex…

“Do not argue with me omega! Get inside the carriage” Taehyung growled dragging the omega to where the carriage waited for them “Yushik…make sure he is-” “No! I’m not going!” Jin struggled against the hold on his wrist, desperate to not step into the carriage.

“Wow…what a scene” Hoseok giggled beside Yoongi “your trueblood brother struggling to tame his omega…” “Jin has a point though” the medic mentioned in a calm voice “it’d be better if he accompanies Taehyung.”

“And face the lords who still hold a grudge on him? Are you crazy…he’ll get dragged into it or probably imprisoned because of Taehyung…we just lost a war, your medic head probably doesn’t get it but Kleon has never lost a war…they’re furious on both Taehyung and his mate” Hoseok explained growing a little exasperated even with the thought of it.

Their ship had just touched the shores of Kleon and finally they were going to go back home, the troops dissipating slowly as they left to meet their families and the cargo being unloaded while an air of tension and loss hung above them.

The King had demanded to the Commander to present himself at court to declare his punishment before it would be carried out, and Taehyung had no other way but to agree.

He was aware how those lords of the court were, how cruel they had always been to him and wanted none of their hatred to affect Jin. But there was something else, which he didn’t want to accept even to himself. So, he wanted to send Jin home and had told him he’ll go to North Gate after it was over but his stubborn mate denied to listen to him.

“Get in the carriage Jin, I’m in no mood to deal with your tantrums right now” his fists shook as the omega kept struggling against him.

“If they think I deserve to share the punishment then be it!” “Even if they don’t you sure will be getting some…don’t cry and tell me to stop then” he warned in a low growl “now get in!”

“I can help-” “I don’t want you there!” Taehyung yelled at him before grabbing at his temple, snapping away from the omega and growling to himself as he tried to calm himself down. He went a little silent before he turned around to face Jin again “go home Jin…I don’t want you to see me like that”

Jin suddenly found himself at a loss of words as he looked into Taehyung’s eyes, and found genuine anxiousness as the alpha tried to look away.

“I’ll be home soon-” “You do know I’m gonna have to deal with the pain you endure right?”

Taehyung looked a little guilty, and worried before he caressed Jin’s cheek, a little pained smile at the corner of his mouth “consequences sweetheart…warned you about it.”

“And I’m gonna have to heal you when you get home no matter what state you’re in” Jin spoke keeping his eyes rigidly against the alpha’s although he could feel the worry seep into him as well, he didn’t get why Taehyung didn’t want him there with him until now but his omega was going berserk with anxiousness to think his alpha would be tortured so inhumanly and he’d have to sit and watch it, and not do anything to help…however, waiting at North Gate with no assurance of what they had done to him or when he was coming back was much much worse…his omega just couldn’t accept the thought of it.

“You’re becoming much too bold by the day eh?” Taehyung chuckled “talking back to me all the time…you always have to come up with something or the other don’t you?”

Jin realized he was trying to laugh it off again, just like he had done when he had asked him about the time when he had been punished or tortured earlier…Taehyung seemed to really hate talking about it.

“Trust isn’t a one way thing…if you want me to trust you, then you gotta trust me too” Jin spoke resilient in his decision.

“Don’t be a fool love” Taehyung caressed his head, pulling him closer to himself “I’d trust you with my life, it’s them I don’t trust…the lords at the court aren’t good people”

“Well, maybe that’s why I should definitely accompany you…if the situation was reversed, would you then let me face this alone?”

And Taehyung realized…he had already lost this argument…

The palace guards surrounded them as they walked through the hallways yet none dared to touch either the Commander or his mate. The trueblood looked just as proud as ever flaunting his higher stature as he trudged to where the King and the lords waited, heavy boots thudding against the marble. His face rigid as he eyed down whoever dared to turn their gaze towards his omega, hand readily set on his sword.

Their striking regal blue uniform a complete mismatch to the colours of maroon that defined Kleon’s royal identity. His hand entwined warmly with his omega’s, and he could feel how nervous Jin was, his palm clammy and pulse rushed. He saw Jin edging a little closer to him when they stepped inside the throne room where Jungkook sat prepared to meet his brother.

“Oh, this is a pretty surprise” he smirked surprising the lords a bit “you should’ve said you’re bringing him along, I’d have made arrangements” his voice was gentle and welcoming, although it somehow made Taehyung’s intention to break his jaw grow.

“I thought you said you’re going to accept his share of the punishment…?”

And instantly Taehyung could see Jin’s head snap at him, zealous brown eyes suddenly looking troubled and betrayed as his mouth parted and all he could utter was a tiny “w-what? My punishment....but why..I-” “My decision remains the same” Taehyung turned back to face Jungkook “I will serve the entire punishment…it was my failure whatsoever. My mate will not be indicted on this.”

The punishment was declared, the lords agreed and thankfully Jungkook did not talk about the public trial. Yoongi stood stiff knowing how it was going to be and cursed inwardly to be this powerless to have to stand and watch the younger accept this brutality in the name of punishment yet again. He watched Taehyung snapping at the omega to keep quiet who however grumbled against him, before clasping at Jin’s hand as the guards led them to the patio that was enclosed with the grand towering buildings of the palace, the lords gathered as audience around while a plinth at the center of it was where one could see the stumps from which silver chains dangled, designed specifically for the trueblood.

Jin looked about with anxious eyes, everything he saw at the moment felt oddly wrong and saw all eyes there sternly set on them, he realized he didn’t really want to be here. His attention was drawn when he felt Taehyung’s grip going tighter on his palm before the alpha was turning towards him.

“Don’t do anything stupid” were the words Taehyung told him first “you can’t let your omega out here…they’ll kill you before you can kill them all.” He warned as he handed his mate his sword “your honour is my responsibility…I will never allow them to touch you or hurt you, so don’t do something that will give them the chance to do that.”

Jin blinked as he watched him shrugging out of his heavy overcoat. He tried his best not to show the concern he was actually feeling, his insides clawing at him to not let this happen…it was worse to know that it was all his fault.

The irony though was watching Jungkook gesture him to take a seat that had been specially arranged among the lords so that he could sit a couple metres away from the pedestal to watch Taehyung serve his punishment. He had known that Taehyung was being punished for failing his duties as a Commander but what he didn’t know was that he had actually deliberately taken on himself to serve the share of punishment that wasn’t meant for him.

His eyes set back on the trueblood when he felt a hand clutching at his jaw and noticed he had pulled his shirt off as well. Jin stood unmoving when Taehyung pressed his lips on his in a tender gesture of assurance but heard how silent everything had gone suddenly. The trueblood’s actions were taken as an open taunt by Jungkook, his uncouth brother showing his claim on the omega before every eye present there. Such crude display of affection among general eyes was considered lewd for royals at the palace, more like anywhere in the kingdom. Jungkook moved his eyes as stood waiting for Taehyung to walk up to the pedestal. 

“You shouldn’t have brought him along” Jungkook voiced as he stood before Taehyung on the pedestal, watching his brother grit his teeth as the silver chains wrapped around his wrists, the honey skin burning at the assault to turn a painful red and it was easy to see how the trueblood was fighting the pain.

“Well, two hundred lashes it is” Jungkook scoffs, nodding at the guard as he went to sit on the other end of the pedestal to keep a close watch and to make sure that the punishment was properly carried out.

The whip cracked in the air before snapping at Taehyung’s bare back and Jin flinched at the burn that spread on his back as well, however saw no reaction from his alpha, who stood with a rigid face, gaze digging at Jungkook. His eyes flickered to Yoongi sitting a few feet away from him, his face just as rigid as he kept his gaze to the floor and although Jin’s insides were vehemently telling him to do something, he decided to take Yoongi’s example and abide to Taehyung’s words and sat there, hands clutching tighter at the sword on his lap.

However, minutes later when the guard shouted fifty…Jin shot up from his seat, eyes brimming with tears as he intended to go and stop it now.

“Stay there Jin….I told you to not do anything stupid!” Taehyung growled at him, eyes fired with swirls of red as he stood strong against the lashes. 

And for the first time Jin was cursing at his stupid adamant head for making Taehyung betray his duty as the Commander. He agreed to himself that he was ignorant, he didn’t know it would turn to this…he didn’t know that they could be this cruel. The trueblood’s back was a crisscross of bloody marks and yet he stood enduring the series of strikes.

Jin didn’t know how to believe that Taehyung had been through this once before…he now understood why he said it was both punishment and torture, it sure seemed like torture in the name of punishment. He looked around and didn’t understand how they sat there and watched the gruesome scene like it was some interesting show.

Truly…these couldn’t be people but beasts who could sit so unbothered and watch such violence and wrongs right before their eyes and not do anything about it.

But by the time fifty more lashes had been struck, Jin couldn’t sit and abide to anyone there anymore. How could he when he saw how Taehyung was struggling now…he was bleeding profusely, his back completely ruined and cut up. Jin could see his breaths staggering now as he tried to stay on his feet by grabbing onto the binds that kept him chained to the stumps. True to Taehyung’s warning he didn’t let his dangerous omega out but he stood up determined to stop them, his own body burning up with the pain coursing through him as well, face tear-stained as his eyes stayed on his alpha.

“S-Stay there Jin…d-don’t…” and despite the pain raging through what hurt Jin more was how feeble the trueblood’s usual booming voice sounded at the moment…he knew now why Taehyung didn’t want him to come here, or why he didn’t want him to see him like this.

The relentless whip cracked again and again without mercy and Jin didn’t bother the eyes following him neither Taehyung’s broken warnings and carried the alpha’s sword as he walked up to the pedestal.

“You really don’t learn your place do you omega?” Jungkook spoke to him however Jin didn’t even spare him a glance, ignoring the scornful words as he headed to where Taehyung’s feet were faltering now and unsheathed the heavy sword. Everyone watched in rising terror as the omega raised the sword and growled hitting it heavily against the chains binding his mate.

Jungkook was a bit startled, guards instantly pooling around him to keep the King safe before a group of them was heading to stop the foolish omega.

“G-Get away J-Jin” Taehyung huffed trying to hold his voice steady as he tried to stop the omega from interfering, it would only mean more punishment and he feared the guards would punish Jin for such insolence. This is the reason he didn’t want to bring him along…stupid impulsive omega…

Jin didn’t listen or say anything, striking the chain on his hands again and it snapped this time making Taehyung slumped to his knees, and Jin wrapped his arms around him on instinct stumbling down to his knees along with his alpha.

“No matter how you try to misbehave omega he will serve his punishment!!” Jungkook growled at him in warning. Just then the guards had him surrounded, trying to pull him away from the trueblood while the lashing continued and Jin could hear the pained grunts Taehyung tried his best to hold in.

“NO! NO! I’m not sitting there and watching this!!” Jin yelled at them furiously, yet tears ran in lines down his eyes.

“Om-mega…I t-told you n-not to..” and despite the warning from the trueblood Jin set his hands on Taehyung’s heavily wounded blood drenched back.

“If you can decide on your own to take my share of the punishment then I can definitely decide to do this” he grumbled using his own strength to heal his alpha, the bloodied disfigured cuts slowly healing up.

Taehyung felt rejuvenated even before Jin had healed him, his mate’s mere presence and the scent of jasmine spilling into his burning senses to soothe the pain. He had lost count of how many lashes he had served but he could honestly say he felt numb from the pain and practically on the verge of passing out from the ache of the brutal hits. And although he was scared that if anyone tried to attack Jin right now he wouldn’t be able to do much…he was glad Jin was right here. However, he was beginning to get his senses back now.

So, when Jungkook adamantly denied to call off the punishment, and the lashes continued Taehyung didn’t bother much because although the hits still hurt, Jin’s hands on him ensured that the sting was instantly removed. Voice of the lords rolled about the space, angry and accusing of such misbehavior from an omega. No omega was allowed to join or interfere in the matters of the court…except for the Queen Dowager. But the King’s decision was always the final one…

And yet they watched an indomitable Jin denying to let go of the trueblood as he healed every wound they tried to etch on him.

“Guards get him away from here! How dare you interfere in a royal command omega?!! You seriously need to be disciplined” and in blinding fury Jungkook raised his hand intending to slap the omega for showing such audacity to insult him before all. When a loud angry growl tore through the air, a strong possessive arm wrapping around the omega as Taehyung protectively held his mate to himself, eyes blazing red as he barely held his trueblood back and glowered at the king to even dare to think about hitting his mate.

“You touch him…you die” he warned, voice heavy with unbridled rage “Discipline him?! You dare say that when you are the one trying to hurt him after he saved you!”

Jin had his head tucked into Taehyung’s shoulder, the trueblood’s enrage affecting his omega severely and he clung to him with his hands still wrapped around his alpha. He feared his alpha’s rage was being aggravated due to his own disobedience and chose to submit to him, letting him know that he only did it to help and wasn’t actually going against him…and Jin wouldn’t say it out loud but it was also a tiny trick to ensure that the trueblood won’t be able to punish or scold him even if he wanted to, submitting to his alpha meant he was trusting his strength over his own…so his alpha would be bound to protect him n let no harm come to him.

Taehyung heaved as he felt Jin still reviving his strength with his own, the omega a little shaky against due to the consistent loss of energy but growled to see Jin submit to him before every eye there…especially before Jungkook. Pride and renewed strength flooded into him, his trueblood utterly satisfied with the respect and trust from his mate and he shoved his nose into the crook of his omega’s neck, inhaling heavily the intoxicating scent and felt his entire body burning up with a fire of a different kind.

Jungkook’s eyes were still scowling at the two as he gestured the lashing to stop and stepped back. Everything had suddenly fallen silent as they waited for further orders from the King.

Jungkook froze to see the omega’s face which he kept burrowed into Taehyung’s neck and caught those pretty doe eyes glowing an electric blue. He smirked remembering seeing those shy eyes when he had seen Jin tied to the bed during the omega’s heat.

“Well, because I am not a complete brute unlike you…I will consider it”

“No need…I’d rather complete it than you plotting some other mess for me and my mate” Taehyung spoke through gritted teeth, dark irises rimmed with a flaring red.

“Remember who you are talking to” Jungkook’s voice was a low warning as he glared at his brother before exhaled and turned to the assembly watching them “I am a King after all, and benevolence is a virtue in royals. Your omega did do a really good job in healing me, how can I ever overlook such a sweet gesture, right? And because it’s his share of the punishment…I am willing to overlook.”

Taehyung frowned up at him, not convinced with his words.

So were the lords, who growled and roared against the King's sudden decision to overlook the punishment. They believed that the trueblood was already having it very easy after how he had failed his duties. And with the omega healing him this was a much too easy punishment for such a great crime!

However, the King's decision was the final and they had to settle down after he threatened them not to date to raise their voices against his decision. His attention focusing back on something much more interesting...

“Anything else you seek from me pretty little omega?” He watched Jin cower lower to hide behind Taehyung, hands clutching at the trueblood who held him tighter, assuring him that he was safe.

“Brother…your mate seems to be too scared” he chuckled to himself “can’t trust your alpha to protect you enough eh little omega? I did tell you you took all the wrong decisions...to trust an unworthy beast over someone who could give you the status of a true royal...”

Taehyung snapped, growling in anger at the insult and lunging at his brother but was held back due to the bind still chaining one of his arms. His pheromones loud and angry as he glared at him with blazing red eyes.

“Is that a challenge?!” Taehyung’s voice had gone utterly heavy, his arm tightening further around his omega who whined clinging onto him. He felt his insides boiling with rage, Jin’s weaker body against him releasing sweet pheromones wasn’t helping either. He felt cornered, threatened and challenged…his trueblood ready to take control and attack anyone who’d try to come near.

"If you dare then accept the challenge!! I'll see you dead under my feet before I step out of here!"

Jungkook gulped, he knew it was something Taehyung wanted. A challenge would mean equality...a challenge would give the trueblood the power to oppose him beyond the pledge he had sworn to...a challenge was what Jungkook had actually looked forward to when he had planned to acquire Seokjin. He had wanted to challenge Taehyung after he'd be invincible being protected by the omega's powers of immortality. But everything had gone topsy-turvy now... accepting a challenge now would mean accepting death in the hands of his brother...

He moved back, not accepting the challenge before he ordered the guards to release the trueblood and let the couple leave.

Taehyung knew Jungkook would never dare to accept the challenge, he was a coward who was scared to die n look weak... although that was the truth. He scoffed to himself, gaze moving to his mate in his arms.

“You used up all your strength in healing me Jin” he spoke into his mate’s head, who however didn’t seem to mind anything as he clung onto his mate, desperate and unmoved with their surroundings. He wouldn’t even let Taehyung see his face and only nuzzled deeper into the side of his neck. The trueblood believed that it was probably because of the shocking incidents he had witnessed that his mate seemed to have gone into submission mode…showing his need and care for his alpha.

And every eye present there watched in shock how the trueblood carried his mate in his arms, the omega still clinging onto him like a baby. The glowing electric blue eyes docile yet resilient as he peeked from behind the alpha’s strong sculpted shoulders at everyone and still held the heavy sword raised in warning to anyone who’d try to attack at them, although it didn’t seem like he had much strength left to fight.

“Yushik…to the North Gate” his masters’ deep voice had startled the beta but what startled him even more was to see his master completely unharmed, while the omega had wrapped himself around him. It was very different from what he remembered had happened last time, they had to literally carry the trueblood home who kept falling in and out of consciousness and wailed in pain from the bleeding cuts all over him.

However, right now he looked like he hadn’t even served a punishment.

“Taehyung wait!” Yoongi called and the trueblood halted just before stepping inside the carriage.

The elder alpha’s eyes grazed over the omega before he handed him the coat Jin had left back there “I’ll come by soon” he assured “sorry about this but you’ll need to be at the camps at the earliest, families are crowding for explanations and the court has made it-” “Yeah I know, it always has been my responsibility actually” Taehyung nodded “he only takes the decision for the war…the rest isn’t his concern, never has been…and he calls himself a King…” he chuckled derisively, almost involuntarily he kept leaning into the omega’s soft nape, taking a sniff of his scent and licking his lips before he realized what he was doing and pulled away, gaze zapping to set on his hyung “I’ll be there as soon as I can, need to get him home first.” He spoke and Yoongi gave a slight smile tracing the endearment underlying the words, and could see how all that trueblood aggressiveness paling before his mate’s needs.

“He really is one bold omega…stepping up for you in front of the King and a room full of alphas” Yoongi spoke watching Jin relax against Taehyung, his weakness finally getting to him as his eyes began fluttering shut.

“He has the ugliest habit of not listening to me” Taehyung griped, slowly pulling his sword out of Jin’s sleepy hands “it’s difficult to make him not do what he wants to do.”

Yoongi laughed out, excusing himself the next moment “he seems to be finally accepting you though”

And Taehyung couldn’t help but adore the side of his mate’s face “tough luck…but yeah I’ll agree he seems to not hate me so much now…”

So, as he sat in the carriage with Jin passed out in his arms and him finding it irresistible not to nuzzle into his neck every once in a while…it felt like déjà vu, only this time they were alone in the carriage and nobody stopped him from letting his pheromones out at how peaceful and good it felt to be covered in his mate’s scent.

He watched Jin’s sleeping face, his mind replaying how the omega had dared to defy the lords and the King just because he wanted to help him…he had not bothered that he could also be dragged into the punishment but held him close as he healed every cut, every wound and every scar on him.

An odd lull played in his mind as the words Jisoo had said on the day he had marked Jin echoed within…Jin really keeps proving every damn time that he wouldn’t let anyone hurt him ever again…

The omega had very boldly shown his care for him…proved that he really didn’t like seeing him in pain and even submitted to him in front of all, assuring that he was not challenging his alpha’s strength, neither was he trying to play the hero but merely wanted to stand by him because he believed he was the one who deserved the punishment.

Honestly, Taehyung felt a little unknown delight spread through him…his greed to show affection to his mate rising indomitably and he severely wished the omega was awake at the moment because he really wanted to kiss him right now. Jin's submission to him fuelling his need to show his power n claim n affection towards his mate.

But due to ill luck he had to satiate his greed by scenting the omega, kissing and licking over his scent gland. He put his overcoat around Jin as he pulled him closer and snuggled into his soft warmth.

And when they reached home his mood was so ardently light and happy that his mother and all the attendants stood awestruck to see him glad and proudly walking through the hallway with a limp Seokjin in his arms. With no sign of the toil and exhaustion of battle which usually got him cranky as heck whenever he returned from war and his murderous anger often made every one steer clear from him till he got back to normal.

However, this time he was acting very unusual... yet the attendants still kept their distance, fearing him to lash out at them any moment.

“What happened?! Yushik said you were called for punishment?!” His mother followed after him as he headed towards his chamber.

“Nothing as such…we lost the war, well technically I made them lose the war…no, actually more like Jin made everyone lose the war” he spoke not really bothered about it at all.

And Ha-Yoon had to halt and think on what she had just heard, before she was following after him again “Kleon lost the war?! Is Seokjin alright?”

Although she knew Taehyung would not be acting the way he was if something had actually happened to his mate.

“It wasn’t really a war mother…that sick dog planned it to get revenge on me, plotted to take away Jin form me…stupid failure for a King I say” he griped making his mother have even more questions now.

“Did something happen-” “He’s fine…used up all his strength and then submitted to my care”

She could sense the brimming pride in those words although Taehyung’s voice was the same profoundly heavy.

“So, what punishment will you have to serve?”

“Oh, it was supposed to be two hundred lashes”

Ha-Yoon suddenly paled at the words.

“However, he created a whole fuss in there as well and it stopped at a hundred and fifty…it’s done though, don’t worry about it” he casually assured before turning a corner, as he came to halt before his chambers “I’m fine now…Jin healed me.”

She watched him enter the room and stood a little numb at the same place not really sure of what she had heard.

Apparently, Kleon had lost a war…Taehyung had been punished…Jungkook had plotted against them to get his mate away from him…yet the trueblood seemed cheery as a child.

She sighed to herself before turning to head to her own chambers, she was right…her son has gone completely crazy…an utterly lost cause…

á na márië.

[A\N] a little fluff anyone?

Borahae 💜